Dieselgate Fallout: Illegal Emissions Linked to 16,000 UK Deaths, Study Finds

A recent study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has revealed that excessive pollution from diesel vehicles equipped with illegal defeat devices has resulted in approximately 16,000 premature deaths and 30,000 cases of childhood asthma in the UK. If no action is taken, an additional 6,000 early deaths are projected. Across the UK and EU, these emissions have led to 124,000 early deaths and €760 billion in economic damage, with further projections of 81,000 deaths and €430 billion in losses by 2040.

The Dieselgate Scandal

The Dieselgate scandal came to light in 2015 when it was discovered that numerous diesel vehicles were equipped with defeat devices—software designed to cheat emissions tests. These devices allowed vehicles to pass regulatory tests while emitting pollutants far above legal limits during normal driving conditions. In the United States, this led to significant fines and mandatory recalls. However, the UK and many EU countries have been criticised for their slower response and lack of stringent enforcement. 

The affected vehicles emitted nitrogen oxides (NOx) at levels up to 40 times the legal limit. NOx is a significant contributor to air pollution, which can lead to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and premature deaths. The scandal highlighted the discrepancy between official emissions testing results and actual on-road emissions, raising concerns about regulatory oversight and public health implications. 

Health and Economic Impacts

The CREA study estimates that the excess emissions from Dieselgate-related vehicles have caused approximately 16,000 premature deaths and 30,000 childhood asthma cases in the UK alone. These health issues have also led to 800,000 days of sick leave and an economic burden of £96 billion by 2024.

Across the UK and EU, the fallout from Dieselgate includes about 124,000 early deaths and economic damage of €760 billion. Without further action, an additional 81,000 premature deaths and €430 billion in losses are projected by 2040, by which time most Dieselgate vehicles will no longer be in use.

Government and Industry Response

In contrast to the swift actions taken in the United States, the UK government’s response to Dieselgate has been criticised for its lack of urgency. While the Environment Act 2021 introduced powers to recall vehicles for environmental reasons, these powers have yet to be utilised.

Jamie Kelly, UK director at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), emphasised the severe human toll of the scandal and urged the government to hold manufacturers accountable. He warned that failure to act would mean accepting preventable deaths and long-term health damage.

Approximately 2 million UK consumers are pursuing legal action against manufacturers, but no fines or mandatory recalls have been enforced. Voluntary recalls and limited investigations are ongoing. Experts urge more decisive governmental action to address the long-term public health crisis.

Legal and Regulatory Developments

Recent legal actions in Germany have resulted in fines and sentences for those involved in the Dieselgate scandal. However, the UK has lagged in holding polluters accountable. The Department for Transport is currently investigating prohibited defeat devices in 47 types of diesel cars registered from 2009 to 2019, with the possibility of more models being affected. The UK government has been urged to enforce the ‘polluter pays’ principle, requiring the automotive industry to contribute to a new clean air fund to compensate for the health costs associated with diesel pollution. The overall cost of air pollution to the UK is estimated at £20 billion per year.

The Dieselgate scandal has underscored the need for robust regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms to prevent similar incidents in the future. It also highlights the importance of transitioning to cleaner transportation alternatives to protect public health and the environment. As the UK and EU work towards reducing emissions and improving air quality, the lessons learned from Dieselgate serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of regulatory failures and the importance of holding industries accountable for their environmental impact.

References:

Health impacts of diesel vehicles suspected of using prohibited defeat devices in the EU and UK

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/28/dieselgate-pollution-killed-16000-people-in-uk-study-estimates?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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Vivek Saini
Vivek Saini
Articles: 295

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